‘The Mandalorian’ Season 1, Episode 7 ‘The Reckoning’ Review: Pinned Down

The Mandalorian airs this week’s episode earlier to make way for the movie premiere this weekend. After he comes home from a prison breakout, he receives a message from a former colleague. As the opportunity to permanently get rid of the hunters trailing him arises, he returns to Navarro to end the threat once and for all.

This Wednesday, The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) enlists the help of Kuiil (Nick Nolte) and Cara Dune (Gina Carano) as he returns to Navarro. Offered to clear his name with The Guild and put an end to those hunting him, Mando and his Allies embark on this mission. With The Child onhand, Mando and Greef Karga (Carl Weathers) plan to eliminate The Client (Werner Herzog) whose Imperial troops occupied much of the city. Unexpectedly, an unseen enemy, Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) arrives to take back what he deems is his possession.

Calling in Allies

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Of course, Mando knows that returning to Navarro with The Child is risky, so he enlists the help of people he can trust. Kuiil, being the honorable person he is, declines to receive payment, insisting on helping Mando on his terms. Cara, on the other hand, initially did not wish to join Mando but immediately changes her mind. Killing off Imperials is something Cara does not shy away from doing. Having a run-in with the reprogrammed IG-11 (Taika Waititi) initially shocks both Mando and Cara, but Kuiil reassures them that the droid is on their side. It is interesting to note Kuiil’s knowledge of droids as well as easily identifying Cara as a former Rebel. Such feats are likely the result of his time being enslaved by the Empire. It is a shame to see his character die but it was an honorable death, attempting to save The Child.

The First Trap

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Greef eventually reveals the initial plan to Mando and Cara. Having three Bounty Hunters with him, killing them both and taking The Child seems like a doable task. However, such plans become impossible as winged creatures attack their camp on the trek back to the city. Also, Greef’s heart softens when The Child heals his fatal arm injury, saving his life. With their Bounty Hunter Escort gone, Greef, Mando, And Gina decide to head to the city with an empty container. While Kuiil returned to the ship, the trio attempts to assassinate the Imperial and reclaim the city. Still, their odds of accomplishing the mission slim with the overwhelming Imperial presence inside the city as well as within The Client’s office.

The Second Trap

Lucasfilm/Disney+

What no one, neither The Client, Greef, Mando, or Cara expected is Moff Gideon’s arrival. To begin with, none of them knew who Moff Gideon is, and aside from his obvious Imperial alignment, the rest remains unknown. Also, Moff Gideon values The Child in a strange way, hinting that he knows what The Child is capable of doing. With his Deathtrooper Detachment and the sheer force of his Stormtroopers, the trio found themselves trapped. It is one hell of a fight, considering how they gunned down The Client and his security detail. Unfortunately, two scout troopers intercept Kuiil and capture The Child. At this point, the Imperial Remnant has the upper hand. At best, they are a mere flight away from whatever they plan to do to The Child. The trio, on the other hand, have to fight their way out of they wish to rescue The Child.

‘The Mandalorian’ Season 1, Episode 7 ‘The Reckoning’ Final Verdict

The Mandalorian finds himself in a tough spot in this episode compared to the others. Kuiil’s sacrifice is tragic yet acceptable. Even if he somehow had IG-11 come out and scare the Scout Troopers, the speeder bikes outmatch the blurrg’s speed. While Greef reveals much good in his character, it may seem to hint at his death. The man merely wishes for livelihood to return to the city and is likely to have it return at any cost. Mando and Cara make a good pair in combat, but at this point, it is hard to imagine how they could escape. Maybe the other Mandalorians would somehow show up once more and kick Imperial ass, but all that remains unknown. For sure, however, Mando is not going anywhere without The Child safe in his care.

The Mandalorian continues Friday, December 27th on Disney+.